Minister Mahato’s Controversial Proposals
Nepal’s Minister for Forests and Environment Birendra Mahato has been facing criticism from various quarters for his controversial proposals that aim to promote business ventures and industries within the national park areas. These proposals include advocating for tiger hunting, allowing the construction of tourist infrastructure such as hotels, lodges, cable cars, hydropower facilities, resorts, and paragliding facilities within the national parks, and promoting timber exports through a proper management of forests.
Conservationists’ Concerns and Criticism
Conservationists have expressed their concerns and criticism over Minister Mahato’s proposals, arguing that they are not in line with environmental and nature-friendly practices. They have pointed out that the primary responsibility of the forest minister should be the preservation of biodiversity of forests and wildlife, rather than pursuing commercial interests at the cost of ecological damage. Organizations dedicated to conservation have also expressed their displeasure with the minister’s recent activities.
Some of the issues raised by conservationists are:
- Tiger hunting: Minister Mahato courted controversy when he suggested using tigers for foreign relations and proposed allowing tiger hunting. His statements were met with widespread criticism, as tigers are endangered species and Nepal is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which prohibits such activities. As a result, the plan could not materialize.
- Tourist infrastructure: Minister Mahato issued directives to amend the National Park and Wildlife Protection Regulations with the intention of allowing the construction of tourist infrastructure within the national parks. This move reflects the approach of former Forest Minister Prem Ale, who attempted to amend the national park regulations in 2077 BS to allow private-sector ventures in national parks. Minister Mahato is now pursuing a similar course.
- The Ministry of Forest and Environment has justified these amendments by referring to a Supreme Court decision in 2078 BS. However, conservationists have argued that these amendments would violate the spirit of the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973, which prohibits any activities that may adversely affect the natural environment or wildlife within the national parks. They have also warned that these amendments would open the door for land encroachment, deforestation, habitat fragmentation, wildlife poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and pollution within the protected areas.
- Timber exports: Minister Mahato has also expressed his view of promoting timber exports through a proper management of forests. He has said that the government is ready to loosen legal hurdles to collect decaying trees and make their uses. He has pointed out the possibility of earning foreign currencies through the utilization of forest products including herbs. However, conservationists have cautioned that this could lead to overexploitation of forest resources and undermine the sustainable management of forests. They have also questioned the legality and feasibility of exporting timber from Nepal, as it would require compliance with international standards and regulations.
Public Reaction and Response
The public reaction to Minister Mahato’s proposals has been largely negative, as many people have expressed their dissatisfaction and outrage on social media platforms. Some have accused him of being ignorant, irresponsible, corrupt, and anti-environmental. Some have also called for his resignation or removal from his post. Some examples of public comments are:
- “This is outrageous. How can a forest minister be so ignorant and insensitive about the environment? He should be sacked immediately.”
- “He is not a forest minister, he is a forest destroyer. He is selling our natural heritage for his personal gain. He should be ashamed of himself.”
- “He is a disgrace to our country. He is betraying our commitment to conservation and climate action. He should resign or face public wrath.”
The response from the government and the ruling party has been muted so far, as no official statement or action has been taken regarding Minister Mahato’s proposals. However, some sources have indicated that there is a lack of consensus and coordination within the government and the party on these issues, as some ministers and leaders have expressed their reservations or opposition to Minister Mahato’s plans. It remains to be seen how the government will address this controversy and what steps it will take to ensure the protection of Nepal’s natural resources and wildlife.
